happens to you. We’ll send an automatic notification we’re aware your paycheck happens immediately after rent is due and do an automatic extension of three to five days depending on your bank and their payment processing. In the case of the first being on a weekend, we automatically check payments on the Monday, as some banks don’t process over weekends.”
“Okay, what’s wrong with you or this apartment?”
Jacob laughed. “I view myself as living perfection, so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with me or my buildings. In reality, expect maintenance to take up to two days to handle non-critical problems, although if you spring a leak, you can expect someone within ten minutes. But because of that, the little things might sit for a while. The fixtures are also a pain in the ass and require maintenance to replace, but as I’m already scalping you for six thousand a month, I don’t charge for the lightbulbs.”
“Small miracles,” I muttered.
“Do you want to see the finished apartment before you decide?”
“I do, but only because I’m curious. If the bathroom is any indication, I can’t imagine there being a dealbreaker for me here unless the utility bill is lethal.”
Paying so much in month a rent would suck, but I’d given my maximum as a soft maximum, and the apartment was below my threshold. In reality, I could afford up to seven thousand a month all in.
“Utilities are included, as I’m a lazy bastard who hates dealing with the utility companies more than necessary. You’re on your own for the internet, but that’s it.”
Yep, the apartment fit my budget even with the pet rent included. “What’s the yearly pet deposit?”
“Five hundred per pet.”
Ouch. That wasn’t far from the norm, and that he refunded what wasn’t used made a difference in my willingness to deal with the fee. “Breed restrictions?”
“In your apartment, there are no restrictions, but we ask that you pick your pet wisely. An energetic dog needs a lot of care and space. The roof park does offer the space, and we have some agility equipment for training and play, but you should pick a breed that fits your lifestyle and their needs. I don’t ban by breed, but I will require a tenant to remove any aggressive animals from the property. I scrutinize the owners more than I scrutinize the breed. If you want something like a pit bull, talk to me about it. I know some reputable breeders who take care with preliminary training, and I know some rescues that have good animals.”
“I was thinking big, white, and fluffy with a love of other dogs and people,” I admitted. “My friend has a dog like that, and I want to steal her. I figure I just need to get one of my own. I haven’t even met her in person, but she’s so pretty, and she obviously loves her owner.”
“I will ask that you don’t steal your friend’s dog, but if big, white, and fluffy is what you’re looking for, that is friendly with people and animals, may I recommend a Great Pyrenees? You’ll need to train the dog, as they take large to extremes, but they’re a good breed, and you won’t get much bigger or fluffier than that, although many have other colors, too. There’s also the Samoyed, but those are very energetic. What are you looking for in an animal?”
“A lot of love, cuddles, and an enjoyment of reading books with me near the fire.”
“Try the Great Pyrenees first, although I’d definitely recommend looking into the Samoyed. Either dog will be a loving member of your family. Just know both are a lot of work.”
“Anything worth having is a lot of work,” I replied.
“Keep thinking that way, Hope, and you’ll go far. Now, let me show you the other apartment. It’s smaller than yours and on one of the lower floors, but I think you’re going to like what you see—and it’ll help you think about something other than the renovation materials taking over the place.” Jacob retrieved the bottle of wine and lifted his glass in a salute. “You won’t regret picking this apartment, and I trust Margaret to show you why when she takes you to the rest of her stops tonight.”
After the floor had attempted to eat me at the other unit, I had no doubts I’d find everything else on Margaret’s list would come a distant second, but a wise woman took the time to look at the other offerings first, even when the final